US call for judicial compromise shows concerns for Israel’s security: Iran

Israeli protesters hold flags and signs during a protest against Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms outside the Knesset in the occupied al-Quds on February 20, 2023. (Photo by AP)

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has highlighted the US administration’s concern about the deepening crisis in the occupied territories over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s so-called judicial reforms, saying Israel is the only entity that the US is sincerely committed to its security.  

Nasser Kana'ani made the remarks in a post on his Twitter account on Tuesday after the White House called on the Israeli regime’s officials in a statement to immediately come up with a “compromise” to resolve the weeks-long crisis in the occupied territories over Netanyahu’s widely-bashed judicial reforms.

“Israel's godfather that is concerned about its deepening crisis, strongly urges Zionist leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible, believing that is the best path forward for Israel and its citizens,” Kana'ani tweeted.

“The only entity for the security of which, the US is sincerely committed!”

Mass protests have gripped the apartheid regime since Netanyahu announced his proposed judicial reforms in January. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have faced off against police in the streets on a weekly basis, with the latest protests attended by hundreds of thousands in Tel Aviv on Saturday and Sunday.

The Israeli premier had claimed that the so-called judicial reform plan would stop the courts from over-reaching their powers, but critics said they would help him bypass some rules as he faces an ongoing trial for corruption.

In a thread of tweets earlier on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman also highlighted the mass protests that were sparked due to Netanyahu’s judicial plan and condemned the US and the European Union for supporting “a fake regime which is built on occupation and apartheid under the pretext of democracy.”

Netanyahu announced on Monday evening that he was temporarily freezing the bill that would alter the makeup of Israel’s judicial system. He said he was determined to pass the judicial reform plan.

Israeli protesters, however, vowed that they would press ahead with demonstrations across the occupied territories "as long as the legislation continues and is not shelved."

The struggle over the plans illustrates the deep divide in Israeli society between supporters of the incumbent right-wing administration, who says the judicial changes are necessary, and the growing number of people opposed to Netanyahu’s plan, who argue that the moves will weaken the independence of the judiciary.